Man Arrested for Stealing Priceless Egyptian Artifacts from Queensland Museum

Suspect tried to repeat the Louvre robbery by stealing 3,000-year-old exhibits from an Australian museum

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Queensland police have arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of stealing valuable Egyptian artifacts from an archaeology museum in Australia. The thief smashed a window in the museum at around 3 a.m. and fled with several exhibits from the Ancient Egyptian exhibit, including a 3,300-year-old necklace, a funeral mask, and a 2,600-year-old wooden statuette of a cat. Most of the items were later recovered in a mobile home, and the suspect has been charged with burglary and intentional damage to property.

Why it matters

This incident echoes the high-profile Louvre robbery in 2025, where priceless artworks were stolen, highlighting the ongoing threat to museums and cultural heritage sites around the world. The theft of these ancient Egyptian artifacts is a significant loss for the museum and the broader community, as these items provide important insights into the history and culture of ancient civilizations.

The details

According to police, the 52-year-old suspect smashed a window in the museum and stole several valuable Egyptian artifacts, including a 3,300-year-old necklace, a funeral mask, and a 2,600-year-old wooden statuette of a cat. Most of the stolen items were later found in a mobile home parked at the ferry terminal in Cleveland, and another artifact was recovered from the suspect. The exhibits received only minor damage during the theft.

  • The theft occurred around 3 a.m. on February 14, 2026.

The players

Queensland Police

The law enforcement agency that arrested the suspect and recovered the stolen artifacts.

52-year-old suspect

The man arrested and charged with burglary and intentional damage to property for the theft of the Egyptian artifacts.

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What’s next

The suspect will appear in court to face charges for the theft and damage to the museum's property.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing threat to museums and cultural heritage sites, as well as the need for enhanced security measures to protect priceless artifacts from theft. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the historical and cultural legacy of ancient civilizations.